Beginning Again

Good group time last night.  Most of us agreed that we have been consumed by other things as of late, and our disciplines not very. . .  well. . .  disciplined.  This includes your leader.  So it is time to dig in and seek God’s grace to be what we cannot be on our own.

Today was a good start for me and, I hope, you too.  I finished up Deuteronomy and will begin Joshua tomorrow.  I even began work on my study for next week.

One of the essential functions of a group in the body of Christ is the work of challenging and encouraging.  Let’s call each other to action.  Our lives are not islands of isolation.  Whether we realize it or not, even our “private” actions impact our communal lives.  Let’s begin again to come before God with consistent conversation – He speaking through His Word and we speaking through prayer.  Let’s be diligent in Scripture memory review and in thoughtful, thorough study of our lessons.  And let’s “spur one another on” by reporting in about our current Scripture readings.

The Power of Discipline

I know it has been a long time since I posted, so after the shock wears off, please resume your reading. . .

OK.  One thing that I need to be more intentional about is reviewing Scripture memory.  I have a stack of Scriptures on cards that, at one time, I had down really well, but I have only reviewed the ones that we have been doing over the last few months.  The rest have grown dormant in my brain.  Reviewing can resurrect them.

Here comes the infamous “REVIEW!” pep talk:

Reviewing is absolutely the key to long-term memory of Scripture.  Even these passages that I have allowed to grow stale can be re-remembered quickly because I was diligent in reviewing them in times past.  The “grooves” in my mind are still there.  They just need a little cleaning.

This is the power of discipline.  As we establish the habits of a disciple, we become trained, not only in our behavior, but in our mind and heart.  We establish new grooves and leave behind the grooves that the world has created.

Always remember that the disciplines in which we engage (Bible reading/study/memorization/meditation, prayer, worship, fasting, fellowship, service, etc.) are not actions done to make God happier with us.  They are actions which put us in an environment in which God’s grace and power can train us to be like Jesus.

In your disciplines (especially Scripture reading, study and memorization) don’t seek information; seek God and His heart.

And one more thing. . .

REVIEW, REVIEW, REVIEW.